Asbestos: the measures taken by CERN

Recently, the Canton's Department for Installation, Equipment, and Housing launched a survey into the presence of asbestos in buildings built in Geneva before 1991.


Their initial findings have caused some concern to the public, with buildings and landmarks such as the TSR Tower, the Temple de la Madeleine, and the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre all found to contain asbestos. Several employees here also contacted the Bulletin to find out more about CERN's approach in dealing with asbestos.

In the 1960s, asbestos' use was widespread. Its low cost and attractive properties made it a popular choice for insulating buildings. It was used in buildings throughout the world, including many at CERN.

However, since the 1970s the use of asbestos has been gradually limited. In France, the first specific rules for the protection of workers came about in 1977. Since then, its use was limited more and more, under pressure from European directives. Finally, a European directive in 1999 widened the ban on asbestos. It covered almost all the applications of the material from all member-states and took effect from the 1st January 2005.

CERN has closely followed the evolution of all these regulations, ensuring its own rules are up-to-date and in line with French, Swiss and European Regulations (see Safety Instruction IS43, last updated in 2003). For example, in 1977 asbestos was removed from the Gargamelle Experiment. Following that, the AD Accelerator, the PS Water Network, and more recently the LEIR Machine and certain galleries around the PS, have also been treated.

Despite the removal of asbestos from many places at CERN, there remain materials containing asbestos in a certain number of buildings and some equipment. The recognised risk is that asbestos fibres could be liberated in non-negligible quantities, mainly due to the natural aging of the material or as a result of a disruptive action, which can take place during maintenance.

However, CERN has organised a comprehensive survey of asbestos in its buildings, identifying the type of material, its location and condition. This survey defines the decisions that must be taken, which include: leaving the material in place, subjecting it to a re-survey at periodic intervals, contracting a specialised firm to carry out air monitoring, or organising the removal of asbestos by a certified firm.

Furthermore CERN's Safety Commission and the TS Department collaborate closely in managing the risks associated with ‘everyday' work sites, such as maintenance activities and building; or specific work sites for the removal of asbestos. In continuing with a systematic approach, CERN is ensuring that all building work is preceded with an evaluation of the asbestos risk.

All of the measures outlined above are in conformity with the regulations in place in the Host States.

For more information please consult CERN's Safety Instruction on the subject, IS 43, or contact the Chemical, Gas and Industrial Hygiene Section of the Safety Commission: Jonathan Gulley (78526)/Olivier Prouteau (73583).